The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by David Grimes for the Quill
Art Kane's brothers and sisters-in-law had gotten him film and processing to accommodate his photography hobby for his Christmas presents for so many years, they had to scramble to think of a unique and memorable gift to give him this past Christmas.
Art recalled a hot air balloon flight Christine Argonbright from the Raritan State Bank received by virtue of a drawing during Stronghurst's centennial celebration.
He thought that might make a nice departure from the photo related gift items.
And that is what he got.
More than 3 dozen friends, relatives and other well wishers gathered at Art's place Aug. 9 to see the Raritan State Bank president take flight shortly after 6 p.m.
Dale and Mildred Anderson received the same gift at Christmas from their daughter Shirley and her husband, Art's brother Bob.
They took their flight at Galesburg in June
They were on hand to offer words of advice and encouragement to Art before his departure on the one-hour flight.
"We traveled from Lincoln Park in Galesburg to south of Knoxville," Dale said.
If the offer came along would they do it again?
"In a minute," Dale said "It's so quiet. There's no sense of motion. You're just floating."
Art said prior to taking flight that he wasn't anxious about the experience.
"I don't have a problem with heights," he said. "But I understand the landing can be kind of rough sometimes."
But all would go well for Art and his pilot, Al Reusch, Macomb, a hot air balloon enthusiast and pilot since 1990.
Reusch's wife Evie and son, Dan, served as the flight crew.
The balloon, Knot a Balloon, sported an Irish Knot, the source of its name.
The balloon is 69,000 cubic feet inflated and required three tanks of propane to carry Art and Al on their adventure.
Art said he shot a roll and a half (36) frames of film as the balloon sailed at an altitude of 500 feet and upward for approximately an hour before putting down in a cornfield about 2 miles east and 1 mile south of Biggsville.
Art said he would make another flight if the opportunity comes up in the future.
Art and his siblings finished the celebration with a champagne toast in the cornfield.
What's next, Art? Wing walking?
Pilot Al Reusch (left) with Art Kane before lift-off!
Crew Chief Evie Reusch, helps prepare the balloon for flight